Lent 2020: Week 5 – Release

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

Psalm 116:1-2

“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”

Rev. Sam tells a story in the Lenten pamphlet on page 30 about someone that keeps retelling the same stories. At some point in our lives I’m sure each of us has encountered such a person. We may even recognize that person when we look in a mirror. Rev. Sam shared a quote from a spiritual leader of hers, “You’ll move on when you’re tired of talking about it.” That was in response to Rev. Sam retelling her story of a bad breakup. Having a trusted friend, who will listen to our stories is a gift. Listening is their gift from God, and they are a gift to us from God. When we speak of our stories, retelling them over and over can be very therapeutic in that their power over us is diminished as we bring it out into the light. Grieving a loss, whether it is a breakup or a death, sharing it aloud can help sooth the broken hearted. God, wants to listen to our stories, He will heal our brokenness.

As I read the devotional for today, it made me think of a dear friend in my life that has listened to many of my stories and not once stopped me from retelling or to stop repeating myself. She has never offered her own opinions without first being ask to do so and is the most humble individual I have ever met. She is my friend, teacher and spiritual leader. I am thankful for God’s timing of her friendship and God’s abundant blessings.

How magnificent that we serve a God that will bend down to listen to us, who hears our voice and our stories.

C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn,’ and I accept it. I’ve got nothing that I hadn’t bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.”

Practice:

What story are you retelling? Voice it to God. If you are ready to RELEASE, ask God for help to let it go.

“Today was a Difficult Day,” said Pooh.

There was a pause.

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.

“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”

“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.

“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.

“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…he thought that his best friend had never been more right.”
A.A. Milne

Sending thoughts to those having a Difficult Day today and hope you have your own Piglet to sit beside you 🧡

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/